Nice sends PSG out of French Cup

 

Defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain have been knocked out of the French Cup in the last-16  by Nice.

The star-studded side were knocked out of the competition by Nice on penalties.

In the game, the visitors succeeded in holding PSG at the Parc De Princes,  youngster Xavi Simons missed the last penalty that sent them out of the tournament

This will be a lesson learnt for the youngster after a goalless clash that led to the tense shootout. His move has therefore cost the host a place in the last eight of the competition.

This will leave PSG stunned despite fielding most of their regulars, which included summer signing, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

This is a setback for Mauricio Pochettino, who is aiming to bring trophies to the Parc des Princes. No doubt, fielding a strong team that includes Messi shows intent.

According to the quarter-finals draw done on Monday, Nice will now host Olympique de Marseille in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

It was surprising to see PSG not creating enough chances in their first half. However, they upped the tempo in the second interval, laying siege to the Nice goal as there were numerous chances to score through Julian Draxler, Mauro Icardi, Messi, Marco Verratti and Mbappe, who came in as a substitute.

The closest chance PSG had was when Presnel Kimpembe’s effort was cleared just short of the line as he almost steered a set-piece into the Nice goal in the 71st minute.

Nice proved the reason why they are second in the Ligue 1 standings behind PSG with two counter-attack chances from Justin Kluivert, which were blocked.

Meanwhile, the other quarter-final games will see the two fourth division giant-killers Bergerac and Versailles play against each other, while the other two ties see Ligue 1 teams playing Ligue 2 opposition.

Nantes will host Bastia while Monaco will welcome Amiens.

 

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed